Senate okays school finance bill, contemplates sine die

Senators are buzzing about the prospect of ending the special session a day early.

They acted quickly today to approve the negotiated agreement on Senate Bill 1, the bill to divvy up $4 billion less in public education formula funding than schools would get under current law. The vote was 21-9.

The bill also would free up revenue to help balance the budget through accounting maneuvers and other means. The biggest maneuver would be slightly delaying a state payment to school districts.

In a provision pushed by Gov. Rick Perry’s office, SB 1 also would impose new confidentiality requirements for taxpayer-paid travel vouchers submitted by the governor’s security detail. Such vouchers are being sought in a lawsuit by the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Austin American-Statesman.

The House also expects to take up the bill today.

Remaining items on the agenda include a negotiated agreement on revamping the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and to so-called anti-groping bill aimed at intrusive airport security searches.